Re: Lost Jesus Sutras Reveal Ancient Chinese Christianity
Songs of the Border Sacrifice
Song #1 - Long ago, in the beginning, there was great chaos, without form and dark. The five elements had not yet begun to revolve, nor the sun or moon to shine. In the midst (of the chaos) there existed neither form nor sound. You, O Spiritual Sovereign, came out in Your presidency, and first did divide the grosser parts from the purer. You made the heavens; You made the earth; You made man. All things with their reproducing power exist because of You.
(Emperor burns incense offering.)
Song #2 – O Di, after You separated the Yin and the Yang (i.e. the heavens and the earth), Your creative work proceeded. You did produce, O Spirit, the sun and the moon and the five planets. Pure and beautiful was their light. The vault of heaven was spread out like a curtain, and the square of earth supported all on it, and all things were happy. I, Your servant, reverently thank You, and, while I worship, present the notice to You, O Di, calling you Sovereign.
(Silks are dedicated.)
Song #3 – You have promised, O Di, to hear us, for You regard us as a Father. I, Your child, dull and unenlightened, am unable to show forth my dutiful feelings. I thank You for accepting my fervent prayer. Honorable is Your great name. With reverence we spread out these gems and silks, and, as swallows rejoicing in the spring, praise your abundant love.
(Silk dedication continues.)
Song #4 – The great feast has been set forth, and the sound of our joy is like thunder. The Sovereign Spirit promises to enjoy our offering, and my heart within me feels like a particle of dust. The meat has been boiled in the large caldrons, and the fragrant delicacies have been prepared. Enjoy the offering, O Di, then all the people will be joyful.
(Calf is burned. one year-old, first born, no blemish (one color), basted in broth with no seasoning)
Song #5 – The great and lofty One promises His favor and regard; we are totally unworthy to receive it. I, His simple servant, while I worship, hold this precious cup, and praise Him, whose years have no end.
(Toasts of wine offered.)
Song #6 – When Di, the Lord, voiced the command, He called into existence heaven, earth, and man. Between (heaven and earth) He placed man and things, and the heavens were spread out over them. I, His unworthy servant, beg His (favoring) decree, to enlighten me, His minister; so that I may forever appear before Him in the highest heaven.
(Offerings of wine continue. Dances begin.)
Song #7 – All the many kinds of moving creatures are indebted to your favor for the existence. People and things all enjoy your love, O Di. All living things are indebted to your goodness, but who can understand where His blessing come from. You alone, O Lord, are the true parent of all things.
(Offerings of wine & dances continue.)
Song #8 – The delicious feast is laid out (before You); The precious gems are arranged; the pearly wine is presented with music and dancing. The spirit of harmony is captured; men and creatures are happy. His servant is troubled because he is unable to express his respect.
(Offerings of wine & dances continue.)
Song #9 - We have expressed our sincerity poorly. Your sovereign goodness is infinite. Like a potter, you have made all living things. Great and small are sheltered (by Your love). The sense of Your goodness is engraved on the heart of Your poor servant; so that my feelings cannot be fully expressed. With great kindness You bear with us, and, despite our faults, You grant us life and prosperity.
(Offerings removed.)
Song #10 – With reverent ceremonies the record has been presented, and You, O Sovereign Spirit, have condescended to accept our service. The dances have all been performed, and nine times the music has played. Grant, O Di, Your great blessing to increase the happiness of my house. The instruments of metal and precious stones have given out their melodies. The jeweled girdles of the officers have sounded their tinkling. Spirits and men rejoice together, praising Di, the Lord. What limit or what measure can there be while we celebrate His great name. Forever he establishes the high heaven and the solid earth. His government is everlasting. His unworthy servant, I bow my head. I lay it in the dust, bathed in his grace and glory.
(Offering removal continues. Silks are burned. Emperor prays.)
Song #11 – We have worshipped and written the Great Name on this gem-like sheet. Now we display it before Di, and place it in the fire. These valuable offerings of silks and fine meat we burn also with these sincere prayers, that they may ascend in volumes of flames up to the distant azure. All the ends of the earth look up to Him. All human beings, all things on the earth, rejoice together in the Great Name.
(Emperor observes offerings and prays.)